Pressure-equalizing valve.



c. W. BENSON.

PRESSURE EQUALIZING VALVE. APPLIOATION FILED Nov. 21.1906.

, 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1. 3 y

www".

mmm

No'. 867,370. f y PATENTED OCT. 1, 19o?. c. W. HBNsoN.

PRESSURE EQUALIZING VALVE.

APPLIOATION FILED Nov. 21. 190s.

SHEETS-SHEET z.

nu nomas r'zrERs ro., mustn/varon, nA c.

CHARLES W. HENSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

PRESSUE-EQUALIZING- VALVE. l

Specieation of Letters Patent,

Patented oct. 1, '1907.

Application ned november 21,1906. serai No. 344.409.

To all whom it may concern:

h Be it known that I, CHAnLEs W. HnNsoN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of Chicago, in the county oi Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pressure-Equalizing Valves; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in pressure equalizing valves and more particularly to a gas regulator adapted tol be attached to any supply pipe for automatically controlling the supply of gas to the burners, and oi that class set forth in my prior patent gas regulator, No. 794,980, issued .Iuly 18, 1905.

Heretofore regulators of this class have proven more or less unsatisfactory and expensive owing to the multiplcity of parts. This causes said devices to easily get out of order and requires the services of a skilled workman to install the same.

The object of this inventionmis to provide a gas regulator safe and sure in operation, of simple construction, cheap to manufacture, and in which the number of parts is reduced to a minimum.

lt is also an object of my invention to provide a device capable of being quickly assembled and in which the parts are not likely to get out of order, but which can be repaired without disconnecting from the supply pipes, should it ever need repairing.

The invention consists in the matters hereinafter described and more fully pointed out and deiined in the appended claims.

On the drawings: Figure l is a longitudinal vertical section of a device embodying my invention` Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section of a device embodying my invention, taken at right angles with Fig. l. Fig. 4 is a section on line 4 4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a section on line 5 5 of Fig. l. Fig. 6 shows the pipeor extensiondetachably engaged on the casing. p

As shown in said drawings: A indicated a casing of east metal, or any suitable material provided with an integral externally threaded outlet pipe a near its top. Integrally connected with said casing A and extending downwardly therefrom in axial alinement therewith is a tubular extension or pipe B of smaller size provided with arr/integral inlet pipe bi The lower end of said extension pipe B is externally threaded and a cap b provided with suitable packing b2 is secured thereon to engage the end of the extension. A spherical or slightly conical upwardly directed valve seat or closure b3 is rigidly engaged in said cap, at its center. A rib af, integral with the bottom of said casing A, extends upwardly therein concentric therewith, and is provided with one 0r more apertures a2, through the top of the Vsame opening to the atmosphere. A rib a3, concentric with said rib a/, and oi less diameter also extends upwardly fromvthe bottom of said casing, and affords a passage into the top oi said casing in alinement with lthe bore of said pipe or extension B. Said ribs 1f-a3 provide a plurality of upwardly opening concentric anlnular channels or passages in said casing which are connected by a radial slot a4, through the wall of the rib a. A cover or closure A provided with suitable packing a5, is rigidly secured to the top of said casing by threading the same thereon or in any suitable manner and a stuiiing box or gland a is provided centrally thereof.

A tube C, having a notched or apertured upper end, and bearing against the bottom of the cap A, extends downwardly through the extension pipe B, to within close proximity of the valve closure b3, in the cap bf, upon which the lower end of the tube seats when the valve is closed. Suitable guides (iL-aw, integral with said rib a3 and pipe B, respectively, are provided between which said tube C slides and which hold said tube in register with said closure b3. Brazed or otherwise securely engaged to said tube C to afford a gas tight joint are inverted concentric cups, or bells C-C2 of sheet metal. Said bells are of such diameters that one ts into the outer, and the other into the inner channel, formed by said ribs within the casing and extend into the same such a distance that when at the upward limit of movement of the tube C, the lower edges of the same extend below the surface of a sealing liquid such as mercury in said channels:

A rod D extends through the stuffing box al and into a suitable seat in the closure b3 and'is provided on its outer end with a suitable head for manual engagement for turning the same and is threaded from the stuiiing box downwardly to near the bottom of the casing from which point to its lower end it is of less diameter. The lower end seats in a central recess or socket in the closure bq. A rod c is rigidly secured in the cap A/ and extends downwardly in the tube C to near the bottom of the casing affording a guide for and acting to hold a winged nut d which is threaded on the rod D from rotation. A. spiral spring E is engaged at one end with said winged nut d and at its lower end is securely fastened to a bar d2, transversely secured in and near the bottom of the tube C, and `having a central aperture through which the rod D passes and acts to support or partly support said tube C and bells. A pin d3 extends through said rod D somewhat below the bar d2 and engages beneath the bar when the cap and rod are lifted thus relieving tension on the spring. Any suitable means may be provided for inserting fluid such as mercury, into said channels or passages in said casing but, as shown, an externally opening passage d, provided with a screw plug to close the same, opens into the bottom of the outer channel and extends at its outer end above the normal level of the mercury.

The operation is as follows: The device is assembled by connecting the same with the service pipes inserting the rod D through the stuffing box o the cover A and the tube C is then engaged thereto, by means of the spring E and the nut d and bar d2. The upper end of Said tube normally bears against the bottom of the cap A owing to the tension of said spring. The cover is then fastened to .the casing and the tube extends to near the valve seat d3 and the bells C/--C2 lit in their respective channels. The mercury or other fluid is then poured into said channels to a suicient height to afford a seal for said bells at their highest limit of movement and owing to the communication between said channels, the mercury or other fluid will always rise to the same level in both. The spring E is now set for the desired pressure by rotating the rod D thus moving the wing nut up and down. The gas rises through the tube C into the chamber above the bell C. When the outlet pressure increases to a point greater than that for which the spring E is set, the tube is forced down upon or partly upon its closure b3 varying the inlet of gas as the pressure varies and thus regulating the low through the outlet. This is accomplished owing to the large pressure area above the cup C which is sufficient to overcome the tension oi the spring, and the gas and the atmosphere pressure acting against it, and the travel and degree of seating of said tube will of course, depend upon the pressure of the gas. As the pressure decreases the spring acts to lift said tube to its normal position, thereby maintaining an even supply of gas.

None ofthe gas is allowed to escape owing to the seal afforded by the mercury or fluid, the lower edges of said bells being at all times beneath the surface.

In adjusting the tension of the spring E the nut d/ may travel as low as the rod D is threaded, and to hold said nut in position to engage the thread when at its lowest position a spring Ef, which bears at its upper end against a washer e on the reduced portion of said rod below the threaded portion, and at its lower end bears against a pin e passing through the rod above the bar d2. Said spring presses said nut upon the thread when at its lowest adjustment yet permits the rod to be rotated freely when the nut is at its lowest position Without fear of injury to the spring E by over compression. Of course the tube and bells when lifted with the cap are supported wholly on the pin d3 thereby protecting said spring from being stretched. The valve may thus be opened readily without danger of varying the adjustment,

If desired the casing A, may be provided with an integral threaded flange am, and the pipe B may be removably engaged thereto, in any suitable manner, insuring a tight joint.

I do not desire to limit ,this application for patent as to details as obviously many changes may be made without departing from the principles of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A pressure equalizing valve comprising a casing having an inlet and an outlet port, a plurality of annular passages in said casing, a sealing fluid in said passages, a bell sealed at its lower edge in each passage and having an aperture therethrough through which the fluid flows and a valve actuated by pressure-above said bells to regulate the pressure.

2. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing, of a pipe engaged thereto, annular channels in said casing, a sealing fluid therein, a tube in said casing' extending into said pipe, means normally holding said tube at its upper limit of movementl and means iiiovalile with saidtube adapted to regulate the flow of gas.

3. In a gas regulator the combination with a casing of an integral extension thereon, ribs integral with said casing affording annular passages between the saine, a sealing fluid in said passages, a tube movable in said casing, a seat or closure for said tube, cups rigidly e ed to said tube and movable tliei'ewitli one for each pa ge and at all times sealed and adapted by pressure to seat; said tube, and means for returning the tube to its normal position as the pressure deci ises.

et. 11i a device of the class described the combination with a casing, a pipe engaged thereto, a closure in the bottom of said pipe, :i tube in said casingl adapted to seat on said closure b v pressure, communicating passages in said casing containing a sealing liquid. cups movable in said passages adapted to move in one direction when the pressure exceeds normal and means returning the cups to their normal positions.

5. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing of a plurality ot' concentric annular passages therein, a sealing fluid in said passages. a tube movable in said casing, a seat therefor, concentiu cups movable with said tube, one for each passage, and adapted by pressure to seat said tube and means adapted to unseat said tube.

G. In a-deviee of the class described the combination with a casing ot. concentric annular passages therein, a sealing fluid in said passages, a tube movable vertically in said casing, av seat therefor, cups concentric with said tube one for each passage adapted by pressure above to close said tube, and lneans for returning said tube to its noi-mal position.

'i'. ln a device of the class described, the coiiiliiinitioii with :i casing. a pipe engaged thereto, an inlet pipe open ing into said pipe and :in outlet pipe opening t'i'oiii asid c:is ing, a tube in said casing and extendingl into said first mentioned pipe, a closure at the lower end of said tiilic. concentric annular communicating passages in said casing. a sealing fluid therein. means rigidly engaged to said tube and extending into said passages adapted by pressure above normal to move said tube to its closure and means for returning said tube to its open position.

S. In a device of the class de ribed the combination with a casing, a plurality of integral i'ibs affording.:l conimunicating annularl concentric pa. ages therein, :i sealing fluid in said passages, concentric bells or cups in said casing and movable in said passages and means auto matically actuated by said bells from pressure above the saine to regulate the supply of gas.

t). In a gas regulator the combination with :i casing of concentric integral flanges engaged thereto affording chan nels therebetween, a sealing fluid in said channels. :i tube in said casing, concentric cups rigidly engaged to said tube and adapted by pressure above normal to close said tube and a spring normally holding said tube against the top o1' the casing.

10. In a gas regulator the combination with a casing and a sealing fluid therein. of a. plurality of concentric lll() a plurality of chambers, a tube rigidly engaged to said cups adapted to admit gas into the cliaiiilicr aliove said cups, and means for holding said tiilie against the top ot' the easing when the pressure in said chamber is normal.

11. In a gas regulator the combination with a casing o1' a plurality of upwardly directed flanges integral with the bottom of the saine affording annular pa is, a sealing fluid therein, a tube in said easing, a closure at its lowest limit of movement, concentric cups in said casing rigidly engaged to said tube adapted to regulate the t'ced of the gas by moving said tube to its closure from pressure above and means adapted to force the tube from its closure :is the flow of gas becomes normal,

12. In a gas regulator av casing, concentric annular communicating passages therein, concentric cups movable lil() closing said tube when the flow of gas is above normal and a spring aided by gas and atmospheric pressure adapted to open said admitting means as the iiow becomes normal.

13. As an article of manufacture a easing having concentric ribs affording channels therebetween, an extenA sion or pipe engaged to the casing and communicating therewith, an outlet and an inlet pipe communicating one with the casing and one with the extension 'or pipe, a tube in'said casing, extending into the pipe or extension, cups on said tube adapted to extend into the channels and means holding said cups in normal position when the fluid pressure equals the pressure for which said means are set.

14. As an` article of manufacture the combination with a casing having an inlet and an outlet, concentric ribs in said casing, an extension rigidly engaged to said casing, a tube in said casing, a seat therefor, cups movable with said tube and regulable means adapted to set the cups for any desired pressure.

15.l As an article of manufacture the combination with a casing having an inlet and an outlet of concentric integral ribs in said casing, a tube in said casing, cups engaged thereto and movable therewith, a seat for said tube and means firmly holding` said tube unseated for a given pressure and adapted to unseat said tube after the pressure has exceeded normal and returns to normal.

1G. ln a device of the class described the combination 'with a casing having an outlet of an extension having an inlet, communicating channels in said casing containing a sealing liuid, a tube in said casing and extending into the extension, cups movable therewith having their lower ends sealed at all times, a spring adapted to hold said cups in normal position and means limiting the compression of said spring. A

17. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing of an inlet and outlet therefor, ribs in said casing affording channels therebetween, a sealing iuid therein, cups having their lower edges sealed in said channels a spring adapted to hold said cups in normal position and lneans limiting the extension of said spring.

1S. In a device ot the class described the combination with a casing having an inlet and anoutlet, of a plurality of passages or channels in said casing, assealing fluid therein, a pipe engaged thereto having an orifice, a tube in the casing and said pipe, cups engaged thereto having their lower ends sealed in said passages, a spring holding said cups in normal position, means varying the tension ol' said spring, means limiting the retraction of said spring and means limiting the extension of said spring.

19. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing of a pipe connected thereto, an inlet and an outlet, a sealing fluid in the easing, a tube in the casing, a closure therefor, concentric cups engaged to the tube having their lower ends sealed, a spider or bar engaged to said tube, a spring secured at one end thereto adapted to hold said tube and cups in normal position under normal iiuid pressure and rotatable means acting to vary the tension of said spring.

20. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing having an inlet and outlet, a tube in the casing, a closure therefor, concentric channels in said casing containing a sealing fluid, sealed means movable with the tube dividing the casing into a plurality of chambers,- a spring operatively connected with the tube adapted to normally hold the same elevated, said tube adapted when the outlet pressure exceeds the pressure for which said spring is set to seat on said closure and to gradually un seat as outlet pressure decreases and rotatable means varying the tension of said spring.

21. In a device of the class described thecombination with a' casing, of a pipe engaged thereto, an inlet and an outlet for said casing, annular channels in the casing containing a sealing iluid, a tube in the casing projecting into said pipe, cups connected to said tube having their lower edges sealed, a rod extending through the casing and pipe, a spider or bar engaged to the tube, a spring engaged thereto at one end, longitudinally movable means on said rod engaging the opposite ends of said spring, means for turning said rod to vary the tension of said spring, means limiting the extension of said spring and means limiting the compression thereof.

22. In a device ol the class described the combination with a casing, of a pipe engaged thereto, an inlet and an outlet for said casing, annular channels in the casing containing a sealing fluid, a tube in the casingprojecting into said pipe, cups connected to said tube having their lower edges sealed, a rod extending through the casing and pipe, a spider or bar engaged to the tube, a spring engaged thereto at one end, longitudinally movable means on said rod engaging the opposite ends of said spring, means preventing said longitudinal means from rotating and a stop engaged to said rod adapted to abut against the spider to prevent undue extension of said spring` 23. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing of a pipe engaged thereto, an inlet and an outlet for said casing, concentric ribs in the casing, a sealing iluid in the casing, a valve seat, a tube movable longitudinally of the casing adapted to seat thereon,. a transverse bar in the tube, a rotatable rod extending through the tube having a portion thereof threaded, a threaded element on said rod, a spring engaged at its ends to said transverse bar and threaded element, means adapted to prevent rotation of said threaded element when said rod is rotated and means firmly holding said threaded element in positionto engage said threads on the rod when at its lowest limit of movement.

24. In a device of the class described the combination with a casing of a pipe engaged thereto, an inlet and an outlet for said casing, concentric ribs in the casing, a sealing iluid in the casing, a valve seat, a tube movable longi tudinally of the casing adapted to seat thereon, a trans` verse bar in the tube, a rotatable rod extending through the tube having a portion thereof threaded, a threaded element on said rod, a spring engaged at its ends to said transverse bar and threaded element, means adapted to prevent rotation of said threaded element when said rod is rotated, means limiting the upward movement of said rod, and guides in said casing and pipe for said tube,

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

- CHARLES W. HENSON.

Witnesses 1 C. W. HILLS, ANNA B. IIILLs. 

